The Regiment

These regiments had a history of cooperation and comradeship dating back to the actions of the Light Division during the Peninsular War and had come together in 1958 to form The Green Jacket Brigade; the exploits and history of these Regiments are set out in the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum.

Cold war Rifleman in NBC protective gear.

On 1 January 1966, in a period of much change in the structure of the Infantry and impending strength reductions, these Regiments chose to forego their independent titles and form a large regiment of three battalions ‘The Royal Green Jackets’. By 2007, at another time of manpower reduction in the Army, The Royal Green Jackets had been reduced to two battalion strength. In anticipation of further reorganisation within the Army the Regiment chose to amalgamate with others to form ‘The Rifles’ and create a seven battalion strong infantry regiment.

The short 41 year history of the Royal Green Jackets began and ended with battalions on operational duty, in 1966 in Borneo, in 2007 in Iraq. In the intervening years Green Jacket Riflemen served around the world; in mechanised formations in Germany facing the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War; as part of the garrisons stationed in Berlin, Cyprus, Hong Kong and Gibraltar; on peace keeping duties with the United Nations and in the United Kingdom formations designated as ‘Rapid Deployment’ forces.

The ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland saw battalions frequently stationed in Ulster or sent there on short emergency tours of duty to support the police against terrorism.

2 RGJ, Londonderry, Bloody Sunday.

The story of the Royal Green Jackets and their 41 year history is told in pictures, words and displays. There is an interactive touch screen that allows the visitor to see a selection of images from the Royal Green Jackets archives; we are always delighted if visitors can add to the information we hold on each image.

For information about the antecedent regiments of the Royal Green Jackets see Regimental Titles.

Opening times for 2020

Please note – To protect the staff and volunteers from the threat of Coronavirus the Museum will be closed to the public temporarily from Wednesday 18th March until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience to our visitors this may cause.

Research Enquiries: Although the Museum is temporarily closed our researcher will continue to work from home. If you have any research enquiries please email to curator@rgjmuseum.co.uk and we will forward them on.

Thank you for your continued support.

From 21st January, February & March we are open:Tuesday -Saturday, 10am -5pm(last admission 4.15pm)

April, May & first two weeks in June:Monday-Saturday, 10am -5pm(last admission 4.15pm)

Last two weeks in June, July, August & first two weeks in September:7 days a weekMonday-Saturday, 10am – 5pm(last admission 4.15pm)Sunday, 11am -4pm(last admission 3.15pm)

From 14th September, October, November until 19th December Monday -Saturday, 10am – 5pm

(last admission 4.15pm)

Open Bank Holidays except Good Friday and over Christmas and the New Year

Visits to the Museum’s archives are by appointment only. For more information click here.